come to show them to you. Why should they say seven thousand?"
Thus saying, Rohini opened the parcel and displayed the Benares sâri and the gilt ornaments. With a kick Bhramar scattered the things in every direction.
Rohini said, "One should not tread on gold" (i.e., spurn it); and quietly picked up each article and wrapped them again in a bundle. In the same noiseless way she departed with her parcel.
I am very sorry about one thing. Bhramar had given Khirodâ a beating, but not a single slap to Rohini; this much grieves me. Had any of my lady readers been present, I have no doubt they would have struck Rohini with their own hands. I honour the rule never to strike a woman; but not so much the command not to strike an ogress or a demon. Yet I can explain how it was that Bhramar did not strike Rohini. Bhramar was fond of Khirodâ, so did not hesitate to beat her. She was not fond of Rohini, and would not raise a hand to strike her. When children quarrel the mother corrects her own child, not the child of some one else.
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